Detailing a '66 GTO (all original) on the 14th; any precautions?

S

ScrampaTeg03

New member
I'm going to be detailing a fully original 1966 GTO on the 14th of this month. Are there any special precautions that I should be made aware of? Anyone know if the paint is clearcoated? I'm a little nervous about working on this show car and don't want to screw up! The gentleman that I am going to be detailing it for also owns many other nice cars so I would like to get on his good side. Thanks!



-Brian
 
My biggest fear would be the temptation to "test drive" it after detailing! I'm green with envy. Last time I drove one it was a friend's brand new maroon Goat. Seriously, if it's original, I doubt there will be any clear coat. A little rubbing compound on a discreet spot will tell you if there's color on the cloth, no clear coat.
 
clearcoated? if its original paint I'm practically 100% sure the answer is no. I would test it like on the bottom corner of a door jam or something though.



Good luck! One thing I would definitely look out for is if you're doing any polishing on the chrome, be careful. If the chrome is that old and original plating, it could be thin/soft/brittle. Don't want to go thru it and cause need for replating.
 
I detailed a 78' Mercedes 450 SEL with 24,000 miles and original paint and chrome. Garaged kept 12 months out of the year and NEVER driven. He now pays me $35 every 3 weeks to wash it. He's nutty.



Anyway, the paint was single stage. I had paint all over my pad from Menzerma Final Polish. I followed with VM then P21s.



So, you can be sure you're NOT dealing with clear. I'd stay away from a rotary unless you REALLY know how to use one. Plus, I'd talk to the guy about the paint and examine real close the surface for any thin parts in the paint.



I used Wenol Blue for the chrome and AIO for the hard rubber bumper parts. OH MY GAWD! Wenol and AIO did WONDERS!

Wenol Blue is the BEST for chrome, especially delicate chrome IMHO. Wenol Info
 
ScrampaTeg03 - Yeah, if it's really the original paint, then it's NOT clearcoated. I LOVE working single-stage paint, just be careful not to cut through it trying to get out every little flaw. Talk with the owner about anything you feel nervous about polishing out so he/she has realistic expectations. You are talking about nearly 40 years of use, I doubt that a flawless finish is realistic.



Spilchy's recommendations for Wenol and AIO = :xyxthumbs Watch the trim when polishing, don't want to thin it at its edges.
 
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